Check your local library or Goodwill, lots of the "back to nature" books from the 70's are being trimmed out of people's collections now and are showing up cheap.

Sure, they didn't predict the current tech levels or materials, but they are a great all around resource on how to homestead. I found this one for $3 at the local Goodwill.

http: //www.laurelleaffarm.com/item-pages/Back-to-Basics-Readers-Digest-back-to-land-preppers-guide-homesteading-traditional-life-skills-Laurel-Leaf-Farm-item-no-z113151.htm